News

Former Blackhawks greats and Hall of Famers Bobby Hull, Stan Mikita and Tony Esposito along with General Manager Dale Tallon, current Chicago Blackhawks Head Coach Denis Savard and young stars Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane will headline a weekend of fun at the First Annual Chicago Blackhawks Convention. Many of the current Blackhawks players and several other alumni members will also be on hand throughout the weekend.

"This is a great opportunity for our fans to celebrate their allegiance to their team," said Blackhawks President John McDonough. "It also gives our players a chance to better understand the tremendous support we have from Blackhawks fans. This is another building block in the resurgence of the Blackhawks franchise."

McDonough added, "One of our goals was to market our franchise twelve months a year. The Blackhawks convention is a great vehicle for us to do that while appealing to Blackhawks fans from all eras. With the combination of current players and alumni members, we feel that there is something for everyone from the long-time fans to the more recent fans of our team."

Chicago native and current Blackhawks and national television analyst Eddie Olczyk has been named Honorary Chairman of the inaugural Blackhawks Convention.

"I am thrilled and honored to be a part of this great event," said Olczyk. "I look forward to a great weekend with Blackhawks fans along with current players and members of the Blackhawk Alumni."

Blackhawks General Manager Dale Tallon will also be on hand and will take part in a question and answer session regarding hockey operations.

The inaugural Chicago Blackhawks Convention will take place in downtown Chicago, July 18-20, 2008. The "puck drops" Friday (7/18) at 5:00 PM with Opening Ceremonies at the Hilton Chicago (720 S. Michigan Avenue).

The convention will continue on Saturday (9:00 AM – 5:00 PM) and Sunday (9:00 AM –12:00 NOON) and the festivities will include:

• Autograph and photo sessions with current and former Blackhawks
• Q&A sessions with current and former Blackhawks, Business and Hockey Management, and Broadcasters
• Coaches and Hockey Operations Staff detailing their strategy for bringing the Stanley Cup to Chicago
• Exhibits and interactive games
• A live HawkCast (podcast) taping

Join current and former Blackhawks in this celebration as we look forward to the upcoming 2008-2009 season while reminiscing of storied seasons past. Blackhawks legends Stan Mikita, Bobby Hull, Tony Esposito, Denis Savard, and other favorite alumni will recount their days in the Chicago Stadium while young stars Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews will be joined by fellow teammates to share their experiences on and off the ice, from the days of playing on backyard rinks and ponds to the ultimate thrill of competing in the NHL!

Chicago Blackhawks Convention Passes for the weekend are available for $50.00 each while supplies last and can be purchased beginning on Thursday, February 21st at 1:00 p.m. at the United Center Box Office, chicagoblackhawks.com, at Blackhawks home games beginning on February 27th, or by calling Ticketmaster at (312) 559-1212. Limit eight (8) tickets per customer. Children ages 5 and under are not required to have a pass.

Fans staying at the Hilton Chicago for the Chicago Blackhawks Convention will receive two complimentary passes with each night stay and the opportunity to purchase up to four additional passes at $25.00 each. Contact the Hilton Chicago at 1-877-865-5320 starting February 21 at 1 pm for your reservation before rooms sell out!

Player appearances and schedule are subject to change. Additional Blackhawks Convention details will be posted at chicagoblackhawks.com as they become available.